From celebrating music, to comics and even vampires, these cool museums are worth a visit
Regardless of age, museums are a great place to spend time in. Depending on what you like, it’s safe to say there is something of interest for everyone in a museum. But what if you wanted something more than just fancy art or a lesson in natural history? Well, rest assured there are plenty of alternative museums out there that will tickle your fancy, particularly in pop culture – and these few will do the trick.
The Vault, Hard Rock Café, Park Lane, London
Music fans know and love the Hard Rock brand and it’s become one of the signature hotspots in key cities around the globe. In London though, the Hard Rock Café has extended its operations into a museum of sorts where valuable music mementos are on display. The Vault, which was once a former bank, has an extensive music memorabilia collection that includes guitars owned by Slash and Sting as well as clothing worn by Eric Clapton and Madonna.
Vampire Museum, Paris
Rich in history and art, it’s quite uncommon to find something like the Le Musée des Vampires or Vampire Museum in Paris. The small private museum is dedicated to the mythology behind vampires including its presence in popular culture. Exhibits include vampire paraphernalia, books, paintings and even a mummified cat. Le Musée des Vampires is accessible only by appointment so do call ahead before swinging by.
Comics Art Museum, Brussels
Comic strip fans will love the Comics Art Museum, a dedicated facility honouring the artists and creators of some of the world’s most beloved cartoons and comics. The museum houses a number of exhibits and displays, all of which trace back the history of comic strips and their creators. Being in Belgium, it’s no surprise to find properties like Tintin and the Smurfs as the main highlights here.
The Snoopy Museum, Japan
Banking on the popularity of the Peanuts franchise in Japan, Tokyo is now hosting a temporary museum dedicated to the iconic comic strip. The Snoopy Museum is an extension of the Charles M. Schulz Museum in the U.S. and has been set up to celebrate the artist and the characters he has created. Items on display include original cartoon drawings, large scale works by Schulz himself and Peanuts memorabilia. The Snoopy Museum Tokyo is now open to the public until September 2018.
Chaplin’s World, Switzerland
The first and only museum dedicated to the work of Charlie Chaplin has opened in Switzerland, on the site of his former home in Vevey. The Charlie Chaplin Museum pays tribute to the legendary comedian and filmmaker and his extensive work in front and behind the camera. The museum houses a number of interactive studios where iconic scenes have been recreated, and exhibits Chaplin’s personal items and mementos.
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